ADHD is not a new diagnosis. It has been around for over 100 years, but it has been called different things like "minimal brain dysfunction", "hyperkinetic impulsive disorder," and "attention deficit disorder (ADD)." Currently the official recognized term since 1997 is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However this term did not begin to be used more frequently until 2004. There are still many, including professionals, who use the terms ADD, ADHD and AD/HD interchangeably. Now there is a trend to use ADD for the type that is inattentive and ADHD for the type that is hyperactive.
According to the DSM (the manual used for diagnosing) there are three different types of ADHD:
- Predominantly Inattentive Type (some refer to this as ADD)
- Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Type (sometimes referred to as ADHD)
- Combined Type
The estimated prevalence of ADHD is:
- 11% in children according to a CDC report
- 6% in adults
Once considered to be a childhood disorder predominately affecting males, we now know that approximately 60% of children will continue experiencing this condition on into adulthood and that it also affects females.
ADHD has various causes with differing theories, such as:
- Genetics
- Neurobiological challenges in several different areas of the brain, including the pre-frontal cortex
- Developmental disorder of self-control (Barkley 1995)
- Brain Insults – head trauma, toxins/chemicals
- ADHD is NOT caused by sugar intake or poor parenting.
- Learn More
In Addition:
There are several myths about ADHD that are being dispelled. Learn more
Treatments for ADHD typically involve a multi-modal approach including exercise, therapy, coaching, medication, etc. (ADD LEARN MORE HERE)
Some people with ADHD are successful to a certain point and others suffer devastating failures.
See Below for Significant Impact Related to ADHD
Healthcare System
- 50% increase in bike accidents1
- 33% increase in emergency visits2
- 2-4 times more motor vehicle accidents3,4
Work/School
- 46% expelled 5
- 35% drop out rate 5
- Lower occupation status 6
- Increase in parental absenteeism from work 13
- Lost Work Productivity of 22.1 days annually14
Society
- Substance abuse – 2 x's the risk 7 and Earlier onset 8
- Less likely to quit in adulthood 9
- 67% increase in unwanted pregnancy
- 50% increase in legal challenges
Family
- 3-5 times increase in parental divorce or separation 10,11
- 2-4 times increase in sibling fights 12
References
- DiScala, et al. 1998
- Liebson, etal. 2001
- NHTSA, 1997
- Barkley, et al. 1993, 1996
- Barkley, et al. 1990
- Mannuzza, et al. 1997
- Biederman, et al. 1997
- Pomerleau, et al. 1999
- Wilens, et al. 1995
- Barkley, et al. 1991
- Brown, Pacini. 1989
- Mash, Johnston. 1983
- Noe, et al. 1999
- International Study 2008